Earlier this week, the Star Observer published a story that highlighted Father Rod Bower’s inability to marry gay and lesbian couples if it were legal, despite his personal support for same-sex marriage. This opened the floodgates to backlash from the gay community. Prominent LGBTI-friendly Pastor Karl Hand pens his thoughts in defence of Father Bower.

Earlier this week, Melbourne gay club Poof Doof threatened lifetime bans for any patrons caught using ice or GHB, sparking a wave of debate among the gay community on Star Observer’s online and social media channels. Now, a specialist in treating people who are addicted to ice weighs in on the debate.

With plans afoot to enact same-sex marriage legislation in Norfolk Island, a former resident reminisces about his frequent visits and how he met his friend Cam Christian, who is instrumental in the island’s same-sex marriage campaign.

Last week, Star Observer’s Melbourne journalist Benjamin Riley attended the World Congress of Families conference. With the insanity behind him, he reflects on the crazy, the banal, and his strange relationship with conference organiser Babette Francis.